Easy Steps to Make Dried Mango at Home

Do you love the sweet and tangy flavor of dried mango but find it expensive in stores? You can make your own delicious dried mango at home at a fraction of the cost. Dried mango is a perfect snack to take on the go, and it’s a healthy alternative to sugary treats. Best of all, dried mango is easy to make and lasts for several months, making it a great addition to your pantry.

To make dried mango, start by selecting ripe mangoes with a sweet taste. Once you have chosen your mangoes, wash and peel them. Cut the mango flesh into thin slices, around 5 mm thick, and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can sprinkle some sugar over the slices for added sweetness if you like. Then, place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 60-65°C and let the mango slices dry for up to 10 hours. Check on the mango slices regularly to ensure they don’t overcook and burn. Once the mango slices are chewy and slightly hardened on the outside, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

Section 1: Selecting Fresh Mangoes

1. Choosing the Right Mangoes

The key to making delicious dried mangoes is to start with the right fruit. Mangoes that are fresh and juicy will produce the best results. Look for mangoes that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Avoid mangoes that are overripe or have bruises or soft spots, as they may not dry properly.

2. Washing and Peeling Mangoes

Before you start slicing your mangoes for drying, it’s important to wash them thoroughly under running water. Then, peel the skin using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler.

3. Cutting Mangoes into Thin Slices

Using a sharp knife, cut off the sides of the mango, one at a time. You should end up with two large pieces of mango that are oval in shape and a thin strip of fruit left in the middle. Cut the large pieces of mango into thin slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Section 2: Preparing Mango Slices for Drying

4. Blotting the Mango Slices

After cutting the mango slices, it’s important to use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot off any excess moisture. This will help the mangoes dry more quickly and evenly.

5. Sprinkling Sugar

To make the dried mangoes sweet and flavorful, sprinkle a light coating of sugar on each slice. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or other spices for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Applying Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural preservative that can help to prolong the shelf life of dried mangoes. It also adds a tangy flavor to the fruit. You can sprinkle a small amount of citric acid on each slice, or mix it with water to create a spray.

Section 3: Drying Mango Slices

7. Using a Dehydrator

A dehydrator is the easiest method for drying mango slices. Simply arrange the slices on the trays, making sure they are not touching each other. Set the dehydrator to 135°F and let it run for 10-12 hours, or until the mangoes are dry and chewy.

8. Using an Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use your oven to dry the mango slices. Preheat your oven to 170°F and place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 6-8 hours, or until the mangoes are dry and chewy.

9. Checking for Doneness

To check if the mangoes are fully dried, remove a slice and let it cool for a few minutes. It should feel dry to the touch and chewy, with no moisture left in the center.

Section 4: Storing Dried Mango

10. Storing Dried Mango

Once the mangoes are fully dried, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for a few weeks, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage. Enjoy your delicious homemade dried mango as a snack or in your favorite recipes.

Preparing the Mangoes and Drying Process

Now that we’ve covered the basics of selecting the right mangos in the first section, it’s time to move on to preparing them for drying. Making dried mangoes is a simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. In this section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing your mangoes and the best drying techniques to use.

Peeling and Slicing the Mangos

Before you can start the drying process, you need to peel and slice the mangoes. Begin by washing the fruit with clean water and pat them dry. Using a peeler or sharp knife, carefully peel the mangoes and remove the skin. Once you’ve peeled them, slice them into thin strips about 1cm wide. You can also cut the mangoes into cubes or wedges if you prefer.

Pre-Treating the Mango Slices

Pre-treating the mango slices helps preserve their flavor and color. You can do this by dipping them in a mixture of lemon juice and water. Mix 1 cup of lemon juice with 4 cups of water and soak the mango slices in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. This will also help prevent the mangoes from turning brown during the drying process.

Drying Techniques

There are different methods you can use to dry your mango slices, including using a food dehydrator, oven, or sun-drying them.

Food Dehydrator

A food dehydrator is the easiest and most reliable method for drying mangoes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the temperature and time, then lay the mango slices on the trays and leave them to dry. This process can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on the thickness of your mango slices.

Oven Drying

If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can dry your mangoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 140°F, lay the mango slices on a baking sheet, and place them in the oven. Leave them to dry for 12-24 hours, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying.

Sun-Drying

Sun-drying is the traditional method for drying mangoes. It requires a hot, dry, and sunny day (around 95°F). Arrange the mango slices in a single layer on a clean and dry surface, such as a metal sheet or wire mesh. Cover them with cheesecloth or a fine mesh to protect them from insects and flies. Place them in direct sunlight and turn them occasionally until they’re completely dry. Sun-drying can take up to 3-4 days.

Storing Your Dried Mangoes

Once your dried mangoes are ready, you’ll need to store them properly to keep them fresh and flavorful. Place the mango slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for up to six months, but make sure to check them regularly for any signs of moisture or mold.

Final Thoughts

Making dried mangoes is a rewarding and delicious process that anyone can do. With the right mangoes, preparation, and drying techniques, you’ll have a sweet and healthy snack that you can enjoy anytime. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and methods, and most importantly, have fun!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Dried Mango

Dried mangoes are a nutritious snack that you can enjoy anytime. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, they are delicious and easy to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make dried mango.

Step 1: Choose the Best Mangoes

Select fresh and ripe mangoes that are juicy and sweet. Look for mangoes that are free from bruises, cracks, or any signs of decay. Consider buying organic mangoes to avoid pesticide residues.

Step 2: Prepare the Mangoes

Wash the mangoes thoroughly and remove the skin using a peeler or a sharp knife. Slice the mangoes into thin pieces of about 1/4-inch thick. You can also use a mandoline or a food processor to get even slices.

Step 3: Soak the Mangoes in Sugar Syrup

Make a sugar syrup by combining 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool. Add the sliced mangoes to the sugar syrup and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Dry the Mangoes

Remove the mango slices from the sugar syrup and place them on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the mango slices do not touch each other. Set the oven temperature to 130°F (54°C) and place the mango slices inside. You can also use a food dehydrator or a solar dryer. Dry the mango slices for about 8-10 hours or until they are leathery and chewy.

Step 5: Store the Dried Mangoes

After drying, let the mango slices cool down to room temperature. Pack the dried mangoes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can also add a food-grade desiccant or a moisture absorber to prevent moisture and extend the shelf life. Store the dried mangoes in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.

In summary, making dried mangoes at home is a simple and fun process. You can customize the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or chili powder to the sugar syrup. Dried mangoes are a healthy and delicious snack that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Try making your own dried mangoes today!

Happy Snacking!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make dried mango. Remember that you can customize the process to suit your preferences by adjusting the sugar or lime levels. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit varieties as well. Thank you for reading, and we can’t wait to see you again soon with more exciting and delicious recipes! Keep it real and keep snacking!